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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, is one of the most
common mental health disorders that develop in children. Children with ADHD
have impaired functioning in multiple settings, including home, school,
and in relationships with peers.

ADHD becomes apparent in some children in the preschool and early school
years. It is hard for these children to control their behavior and/or
pay attention. It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of children
have ADHD, or approximately 2 million children in the United States.
This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that
at least one will have ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD will appear over the course of many months, and
include:

Impulsiveness: a child who acts quickly without thinking
first.

Hyperactivity: a child who can't sit still, walks, runs,
or climbs around when others are seated, talks when others
are talking.

Inattention: a child who daydreams or seems to be in
another world, is sidetracked by what is going on around him
or her.

Because everyone shows some of these behaviors at times, the diagnosis
requires that such behavior be demonstrated to a degree that is
inappropriate for the person’s age. The diagnostic guidelines also
contain specific requirements for determining when the symptoms indicate
ADHD. The behaviors must appear early in life, before age 7, and
continue for at least 6 months. Above all, the behaviors must create a
real handicap in at least two areas of a person’s life such as in the
schoolroom, on the playground, at home, in the community, or in social
settings.

To assess whether a child has ADHD, specialists consider several
critical questions: Are these behaviors excessive, long-term, and
pervasive? That is, do they occur more often than in other children the
same age? Are they a continuous problem, not just a response to a
temporary situation? Do the behaviors occur in several settings or only
in one specific place like the playground or in the schoolroom?

If ADHD is suspected, the diagnosis should be made by a professional
with training in ADHD. This includes child psychiatrists, psychologists,
developmental/behavioral pediatricians, behavioral neurologists, and
clinical social workers. After ruling out other possible reasons for the
child’s behavior, the specialist checks the child’s school and medical
records and talks to teachers and parents who have filled out a behavior
rating scale for the child. A diagnosis is made only after all this
information has been considered.

Currently available treatments for ADHD focus on reducing the symptoms
and improving functioning. Treatments include medication, various types
of psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments.

Some children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. And many adults
who have the disorder don't know it. They may feel that it is impossible
to get organized, stick to a job, or remember and keep appointments.
Like children, adults who suspect they have ADHD should be evaluated by
a licensed mental health professional.

The Kim Foundation is an education and resource organization. We do not provide direct services and are not able to respond immediately to requests for information.

If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) The content contained in this website is for informational purposes only and is compiled and received from various sources. The Kim Foundation does not endorse the resources provided and does not accept liability or responsibility for incorrect information provided.